I was an engineer working in IT consulting and wanted to do something different. My grandfather did carpentry and it was something I always wanted to do. I like problem solving and working with my hands. The results are clear and complete, unlike a software project where it could be years before you see results.

I started looking at schools. I hadn't heard of NBSS but one of my friends was looking at the Locksmithing program and told me about the school. I looked at another school and the carpenters union's program but neither was the right fit.

NBSS felt right because they taught you how to build a house from start to finish. In other schools and on the job you'd never get that. You start in the middle and the story doesn't make sense. At NBSS, you get a big picture perspective. You know what's supposed to happen before and after. Everybody should learn this way.

There were 13 students in my class and we really bonded. We ate lunch together every day. We'd hang out after class. We even went to Florida as a group to build houses for Habitat for Humanity. We admired our teacher and modeled ourselves as carpenters after him.

I continue to work as a consultant and do carpentry part time. It's a perfect balance for me, the best of both worlds. I don't look at the world the same way now that I know how to build a house. That's priceless.